🛼 CARS Partnership Guide
Working with Rink Operators to Grow Artistic Roller Sports
Success in artistic roller sports begins with strong relationships at the rink level. When rinks and artistic programs operate as partners, everyone benefits — athletes, families, and the business.
This guide supports coaches, club leaders, and advocates in building positive, sustainable partnerships with rink management teams.
🎯 Shared Goals — Why This Partnership Matters
Rink operators want:
- Happy customers
- Strong attendance
- Revenue growth
- A positive family-friendly environment
Artistic programs offer:
- Weekly class enrollment and steady income
- Visibility and community reputation
- Returning customers who skate year-round
- Family engagement and volunteer support
👉 When the rink succeeds, the sport succeeds.
🤝 Building the Relationship
1 Approach Professionally
Present yourself as a partner, not just someone needing floor time.
Helpful materials to bring:
- Program proposal
- Sample schedule
- Pricing ideas
- Safety and membership info (USARS/RSA/SafeSport)
2 Speak Their Language: Business Value
Show how artistic programs contribute to rink success:
💵 Revenue Streams
- Weekly classes
- Private lessons
- Music and costume vendors
- Events and showcases
👨👩👧 Family Loyalty
- Teams bring repeat customers
- Skating becomes part of family culture
📈 New Marketing Opportunities
- Website / social media visibility
- Community promotions with schools, parks & rec
- Birthday parties & group outings from skating families
3 Provide Solutions, Not Headaches
Rink operators care about:
- Scheduling efficiency
- Safety
- Staff professionalism
- Customer experience
To reassure them:
- ✔ Provide qualified coaching (certifications/background checks)
- ✔ Implement safe sport practices
- ✔ Assist with event organization
- ✔ Help manage class check-in smoothly
🧩 Program Models That Work
Entry-Level Options:
- "Intro to Artistic" rec classes
- 4–6 week beginner programs
- "Try-It" days and demo clinics
Development Pathways:
- Achievement program aligned with RSA
- USARS membership for athletes advancing to competition
- Solo dance, figures, free skating development tracks
📅 Scheduling Suggestions
Ideal sessions include:
- One weeknight + one weekend option
- Before or after public sessions
- Dedicated floor time for team training
🎪 Consider hosting:
- Rink exhibitions
- Holiday or local events featuring club skaters
- Open houses with performances and parent meetings
These events boost attendance and build excitement!
💬 Communication Strategy
Keep the operator engaged with:
- Monthly check-ins
- Class updates
- Success stories (growth, medals, testimonials)
- Clear, timely requests — not last-minute surprises
📌 Transparency builds trust.
🛡️ Professional Standards
Coaches and volunteers should be:
- SafeSport compliant
- Insured through USARS or RSA
- Clear on rink rules and expectations
- Positive role models at all times
Your professionalism reflects directly on the rink.
🎉 Show Your Value: Quick Wins
Early actions that impress:
- Help promote on social media
- Assist with attendance at public sessions
- Introduce mascots, theme nights, or mini-performances
- Support floor guards / staff when appropriate
Rink operators notice effort and teamwork.
🌟 Partnership Mindset
Think:
"How can we help the rink succeed?"
not just
"What can the rink do for us?"
Strong partnerships create lifelong skating homes.
⚠️ Safety & Responsibility Notice:
This guide provides general suggestions for working with rink operators and managing artistic programs. Each facility has unique business needs, insurance requirements, and policies. Coaches and organizers should collaborate with rink ownership and governing bodies to ensure all activities follow appropriate safety and compliance guidelines.
Elevating the Sport. Honoring the Art. Inspiring the Skater.
📘 Developed by the CARS Community
This resource reflects the collective expertise of coaches, judges, and athletes in Competitive Artistic Roller Sports.